Foreign Ministry outlines way out of deadlock in Istanbul talks summary

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summarized Ukraine’s official conclusions following the second round of talks in Istanbul. He noted that the Russian delegation did not respond to a document from the Ukrainian side outlining Ukraine’s vision for ending the war.

"We sent the document ahead of the meeting. During the meeting, our delegation asked the Russians what their considerations were. They didn’t provide any. Neither during the meeting nor after," the minister said.

Sybiha emphasized that official Kyiv is demanding an answer from Russia and added that "each day of silence from them proves their wish to continue the war."

"Instead of responding to our constructive proposals in Istanbul, the Russian side passed a set of old ultimatums that do not move the situation any closer to true peace. This contradicts Russia’s previous promises, including to the United States, that it would put forward something realistic and doable this week in Istanbul," the head of Ukraine’s diplomatic service stated.

He also noted that due to the lack of a constructive approach from Russia, the Istanbul format has effectively turned into meetings focused on prisoner exchanges.

Sybiha welcomed progress in that area but stressed that "there could be much more tangible results in all areas if the Russians reciprocated Ukraine’s constructiveness."

Russia’s rejection of any meaningful ceasefire framework, the foreign minister said, is sufficient grounds for Ukraine’s partners to impose new sanctions now.

"We must put an end to the killing. And if current meetings fail to produce such a result and advance peace, it becomes increasingly clear that a meeting of leaders is required," Sybiha stressed.

Istanbul talks

Following the second round of talks on ending the war, held in Istanbul on June 2, Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed to exchange specific categories of prisoners based on the "all for all" formula and to exchange the bodies of fallen soldiers based on a 6,000-for-6,000 deal.

No significant further progress was achieved during the meeting. Russia continues to demand recognition of its protectorate over four Ukrainian regions and Crimea, along with several other ultimatums that would mean the loss of part of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

In addition, the talks for the first time included discussions about the need for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve tangible progress toward peace.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered to help organize a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, either in Istanbul or Ankara.